Nii Ayinsah of Sasraku III, Chairman of the Ngleshie Alata Paramount Stool Council, addressed a press conference on July 29, 2025, to clarify the ownership of lands traditionally belonging to the Ngleshie Alata Stool. His remarks come in response to recent claims made by the Sempe Stool, which he argues distort historical and judicial facts regarding land titles.
In his address, Nii Ayinsah expressed gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the importance of setting the record straight. He stated that the gathering was necessitated by recent developments that threaten to undermine the historical rights of the Ngleshie Alata people. “As leaders and custodians of our sacred traditions and heritage, it is incumbent upon us to uphold the truth in accordance with law and custom,” he asserted.
Nii Ayinsah specifically highlighted key areas, including Sabon Zongo, Korle-Gonno, Owene, Chorkor to Chemu Lagoon, the Plaza Cinema area, Mamprobi, and Jonkobri, which have been confirmed as ancestral lands of the Ngleshie Alata Stool by competent courts in Ghana. He referenced a landmark ruling delivered by Justice Acolatse in 1963, which affirmed these lands as belonging to the Ngleshie Alata people. Although this ruling was temporarily overturned in 1970, it was reinstated by the Supreme Court in 1990 in the case of James Town Stool and Anor v. Sempe Stool and Anor.
In a further affirmation of ownership, Nii Ayinsah noted that on April 15, 2025, the High Court reaffirmed the Ngleshie Alata Stool’s title to these lands, referencing the 1963 judgment as authoritative. His Lordship Kenneth Edem Kudjorji J. granted all reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, underscoring the judicial continuity in favor of the Ngleshie Alata Stool.
Nii Ayinsah emphasized that the only areas recognized for the Sempe Stool in the aforementioned ruling were Dama and Sakaman. He firmly stated that any claims by the Sempe Stool or other groups over lands such as Chorkor, Korle-Gonno, or Jonkobri lack legal merit and constitute a direct affront to the authority of the Supreme Court of Ghana. “To disregard the Supreme Court’s decision is an insult to our judicial process,” he declared.
In light of these developments, Nii Ayinsah announced that the Ngleshie Alata Stool would take active steps to plot and register their lands with the Lands Commission. This initiative aims to ensure that the clearly delineated boundaries of Ngleshie Alata Stool lands are formally recognized and enforced by all relevant agencies.
In closing, Nii Ayinsa invoked the wisdom of revered elder Sheik I.C. Quaye, stating, “AGBENAA” it is enough! He called for peace while insisting that the truth must prevail, reinforcing the commitment of the Ngleshie Alata Stool to protect and preserve their lands, customs, and dignity.
